Assedio

An Italian Adventure

The Seige (Assedio) of Canelli 1613

Over 2,000 people in costume take part in the annual pageantry of the Canelli Assedio.

Local destinations

Acqui Terme

Asti

Canelli

Monferrato Hills

Nizza Monferrato

Rocchetta Tanero

Day trips

Bergamo

Genoa - old port

Lake Maggiore

Lake Orta

Mondovi

Portofino peninsula

Riviera of Palms

Turin

More information ?

If you would like more information about the Canelli Assedio please call me on:-

0039 0141 851 154

or send me an email,

If you would like us to keep in touch, please fill in and send us the form on the Registration page.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The year is 1613. In Britain, James 6th of Scotland had recently also become James 1st of England, and times were quiet, but in Piedmont the Duke of Savoy was having a tough time. A dispute arose over the succession to Monferrato, and the Duke of Mantua decided to attack Canelli, beseiging the small town which was defended by only a small Savoy garrison.

History recounts that the Savoy troops, aided considerably by the ordinary townsfolk, pulled off a remarkable victory (legend says it was also because they had better wine to drink !). And every year, during the third weekend in June, the townsfolk of Canelli celebrate this victory by proudly re-enacting the Assedio, or seige, in full costume. Over 2,000 people from the town and surrounding villages take part in the pageantry.

Before the celebrations, the old town gate is re-erected; then on Saturday afternoon, towards 4pm, a procession of soldiers, militia and villagers fleeing from the advancing troops arrive to pass through the gates into the old town, closely followed by Mantua's army and followers, who set up their camp outside the gates.

The action then moves to the fields behind the castle, where a fierce battle takes place with cannon blazing, musket volleys, cavalry manoevres and clashes between infantry. Mantua is victorious and the Savoy troops are driven from the field. The seige is declared and the long night of the seige begins.

Inside the town, 17th century inns and taverns have been set up to offer the visitor tastes from typical menus of the time, and there are market stalls recreating street scenes, whilst troops patrol the streets keeping order. The evening culminates with a re-enactment of the bombardment of the castle - a spectacular fireworks display.

The conflict resumes on Sunday morning, the enemy invade the city, and the ordinary men and women of Canelli rise up in support of their soldiers, finally overcoming and repelling the attack. At noon, the Captain of the Guard declares the seige is relieved, and a big party begins. The Duke of Savoy announces that the citizens of Canelli will not have to pay taxes for 30 years !

There is a victory luncheon and the festivities continue through the afternoon - music, street players, dancing - and of course copious amounts of food and wine. As the midsummer sky darkens the festivities finish with a final fireworks display.

And when it's all over, somehow Canelli seems a quieter, more sedate sort of place.

Until next year......

Entrance to the old town is free of charge - however you can collect a 'safe pass' at the point of entry and make a voluntary donation. With the town under martial law, you may find the safe pass comes in handy.

E mail: kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk

0039 0141 851 154